The Modern Fukanzazengi

by Taisen Deshimaru Roshi

If we practice zazen, the true ego penetrates into every part of the
cosmos and the individual ego can relate to cosmic truth. It can follow
the cosmic order, unconsciously, naturally, automatically, without any effort
of the personal will.

Then everything becomes a source of pleasure and accords with our will.
And though we follow, there is never any obstacle. Things go forward as
they should, happily.

Fear, anxiety, worry and doubt disappear.

From the bottom of our minds, great confidence arises, the conviction
and the faith that we are part of God or Buddha.

Then, our deep unthinking thought draws near to God or Buddha, grows
deeper and ever deeper. The shadow of the pine is dark according as the
moon is bright.

Reverence for God or Buddha is born and we become modest, humble. The
mind becomes gentle, compassionate, honest. We learn humility. The vocation
begins to work in us without any act of will.

Life, then, can become full of value and dignity.

The vocation that is born is the highest. It moves us to harmonize, unconsciously,
naturally, automatically, with all existences.

We can begin to create greater and greater respect for the symphony of
the world and